Gold exploration in two and three dimensions : improved and correlative insights from microscopy and X-Ray computed tomography

dc.contributor.authorChisambi, Joshuaen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorVon der Heyden, Bjornen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorTshibalanganda, Muofheen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorLe Roux, Stephanen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2020-05-26T14:29:31Z
dc.date.available2020-05-26T14:29:31Z
dc.date.issued2020
dc.descriptionCITATION: Chisambi, J., et al. 2020. Gold exploration in two and three dimensions : improved and correlative insights from microscopy and X-Ray computed tomography. Minerals, 10(5):476, doi:10.3390/min10050476.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at https://www.mdpi.com
dc.descriptionPublication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
dc.description.abstractAbstract: In this contribution, we highlight a correlative approach in which three-dimensional structural/positional data are combined with two dimensional chemical and mineralogical data to understand a complex orogenic gold mineralization system; we use the Kirk Range (southern Malawi) as a case study. Three dimensional structures and semi-quantitative mineral distributions were evaluated using X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) and this was augmented with textural, mineralogical and chemical imaging using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy as well as fire assay. Our results detail the utility of the correlative approach both for quantifying gold concentrations in core samples (which is often nuggety and may thus be misrepresented by quarter- or half-core assays), and for understanding the spatial distribution of gold and associated structures and microstructures in 3D space. This approach overlays complementary datasets from 2D and 3D analytical protocols, thereby allowing a better and more comprehensive understanding on the distribution and structures controlling gold mineralization. Combining 3D XCT analyses with conventional 2D microscopies derive the full value out of a given exploration drilling program and it provides an excellent tool for understanding gold mineralization. Understanding the spatial distribution of gold and associated structures and microstructures in 3D space holds vast potential for exploration practitioners, especially if the correlative approach can be automated and if the resultant spatially-constrained microstructural information can be fed directly into commercially available geological modelling software. The extra layers of information provided by using correlative 2D and 3D microscopies offer an exciting new tool to enhance and optimize mineral exploration workflows, given that modern exploration efforts are targeting increasingly complex and low-grade ore deposits.en_ZA
dc.description.urihttps://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/10/5/476
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.format.extent20 pages
dc.identifier.citationChisambi, J., et al. 2020. Gold exploration in two and three dimensions : improved and correlative insights from microscopy and X-Ray computed tomography. Minerals, 10(5):476, doi:10.3390/min10050476
dc.identifier.issn2075-163X (online)
dc.identifier.otherdoi:10.3390/min10050476
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/108606
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherMDPI
dc.rights.holderAuthors retain copyright
dc.subjectGold -- Geologyen_ZA
dc.subjectGold ores -- Tomographyen_ZA
dc.subjectGold ores -- Assayingen_ZA
dc.subjectGold ores -- Mineralizationen_ZA
dc.subjectImaging systems in geologyen_ZA
dc.subjectThree-dimensional imaging in geologyen_ZA
dc.subjectOrogenic belts -- Malawien_ZA
dc.titleGold exploration in two and three dimensions : improved and correlative insights from microscopy and X-Ray computed tomographyen_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA
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